The Siddhars by their spiritual and yogic practices attained immense knowledge and experience in Vaithiyam (Medicine), Vatham (Alchemy), Jothidam (Astrology), Manthirigam (Thanthric practices), Yogam (Meditation and yogic exercises) and Gnanam (Knowledge about the Almighty).
Siddhars believed in a holistic concept. Accordingly they said
“Food is Medicine, Medicine is Food” (Unave Marunthu, Marunthe Unavu)
“Sound mind makes the sound body” (Manamathu Semmaianal Manthiram sebika vendam)
There are 18 siddhars who are considered as the pillars of siddha medicine according to Tamil tradition. There is no consensus on their exact time era. Their names, contributions, popular beliefs about them and probable place where they attained Samadhi (eternal consciousness) are listed below.
